Seocho-gu Installs 'Havel Bench,' Symbol of Korea-Czech Friendship and Democracy, at Yangjaecheon

Mayor Jeon Seongsoo Expects Momentum for Cooperation in Nuclear Power and More

On May 26, Seocho-gu, Seoul, held an opening ceremony to unveil the 'Vaclav Havel Bench'?a symbol of Korea-Czech friendship and cooperation, as well as democracy?installed for the first time in Korea across from the Yangjaecheon riverside stage.

‘Havel Bench’ installed at Yangjaecheon. Provided by Seocho-gu.

The Havel Bench is an international public art project that commemorates Vaclav Havel, the Czech hero of democratization and the country's first president, and symbolizes the values of openness and democracy. Installed in 18 countries around the world, the Havel Bench features a unique design with a tree passing through a round table and two facing chairs, representing a space for dialogue, communication, and the free expression of ideas.

The Yangjaecheon bench incorporates a Bokjaginamu tree donated by Danyang-gun, Chungbuk, as well as a table and chairs transported from the Czech Republic, further enhancing its symbolism as a sign of Korea-Czech friendship. Hyundai Motor Company, which is headquartered in Seocho-gu, supported the installation and transportation.

This project was promoted as cooperation between the two countries expanded, including Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power being selected as the preferred negotiator for a new nuclear power plant order in the Czech Republic last year. The Havel Foundation in the Czech Republic and the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Korea, among others, selected Yangjaecheon as the optimal site out of six candidates, including World Cup Park and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies.

Seocho-gu plans to further strengthen public diplomacy with the Czech Republic by pursuing a sister city agreement with Prague 6, where Vaclav Havel International Airport is located, taking the creation of the Havel Bench as an opportunity. Through the establishment of the Havel Bench, the district expects to share the values of democracy, freedom, and economic cooperation between the two countries, while providing a space for dialogue and harmony for both local residents and visitors.

The event was attended by Seocho-gu Mayor Jeon Seongsoo, Czech Ambassador to Korea Ivan Jan??rek, representatives from the Czech Centre and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, officials from Hyundai Motor Company, and about 100 residents.

Seocho-gu Mayor Jeon Seongsoo stated, "I hope the establishment of the Havel Bench, a symbol of cooperation between our two countries, will lead to the successful conclusion of the nuclear power plant contract and become a new milestone for Korea-Czech friendship and cooperation in the future. I also hope that the Havel Bench, now located at Yangjaecheon in Seocho-gu, will become a meaningful space that reminds citizens of the democratic communication and the spirit of unity that our society urgently needs today."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.